Ian Moore Architects has once again proven their prowess in architectural innovation with the transformation of a 19th-century pub in Sydney's Surry Hills into a contemporary residence, The Corner House. This project showcases their ability to blend historical preservation with modern design, resulting in a stunning residential space that pays homage to the building's past while embracing the future.
The Corner House, originally known as The Moore Park Hotel, underwent a meticulous renovation to create a three-bedroom home. The challenge was to maintain the building's heritage while making it habitable for modern living. One of the key interventions was the repair of the brick shell, which was in a delicate state, supported by a steel portal frame that also served as the structure for the extension. This intervention not only stabilized the building but also created a striking visual contrast between the original and new architecture.
The design team, led by Ian Moore, faced the issue of the building's collapse into the street, with walls leaning outward up to 300 millimeters. The solution was to extend the steel framework underneath the original facade, all the way to the back of the site, where it is encased in translucent glass bricks, creating a 'wall of light' that is particularly dramatic at night. This design choice not only highlights the building's transformation but also ensures the heritage structure remains front and center.
Internally, The Corner House boasts an industrial aesthetic with clean white walls, glass elements, and exposed steel structural features. The flooring, however, draws from the home's antique facade, using a combination of oak boards and terrazzo tiles. The layout is divided into three sections: living areas and a garage on the ground level, two bedrooms and a family room on the first floor, and a primary bedroom and terrace at the top level. The removal of distracting additions and the restoration of original building elements, such as the Victorian timber frames and timber-framed shopfronts, were crucial to maintaining the building's place in the streetscape.
The design also prioritizes natural light and airflow. An internal landscaped courtyard was cut through the original section of the building, flooding the interior with natural light and facilitating steady air circulation. This design choice, combined with sun-shaded windows and doors, insulated roof and walls, and the absence of air conditioning, ensures a comfortable and sustainable living environment.
The Corner House is a testament to Ian Moore Architects' skill in adaptive reuse and their ability to create spaces that are both visually stunning and functionally excellent. It serves as an inspiration for how historical buildings can be revitalized while preserving their cultural heritage, offering a unique and captivating living experience.
